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Movenpick Hotels & Resorts announced plans for three new properties in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui during the next three years, signalling a solid period of strategic Asian expansion for the Swiss-based operator.
Building on the success of the Movenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach Phuket, its first Thai hotel which opened in 2006, the company has signed a management agreement to operate the Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai, the Movenpick Resort & Spa Mae Nam Beach Koh Samui and the Movenpick Hotel & Residences Bangkok.
"We are pleased to significantly expand our presence in such a magnificent and flourishing country," said Andreas Mattmuller, Chief Operating Officer of Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Asia.
Jean Gabriel Peres, President and CEO of Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, added "Our expansion in Thailand supports our development strategy by clusters, which has proven to be successful in many countries such as Jordan Egypt, Germany and Switzerland."
Jumroen Chittaratsaenee, developer of the forthcoming upscale properties, said: "I am delighted to have joined hands with Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, a highly regarded international hotel management company with recognized values for quality, reliability and care."
Kicking off the expansion will be the renovation of an existing hotel in downtown Chiang Mai, which will be rebranded the Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai. The 286-room hotel is perfectly located on the corner of Loikoh and Changklan Road, right at the heart of Chiang Mai’s landmark the "Night Bazaar". The hotel is a short distance from Chiang Mai International Airport, the railway and bus station. It is due to open by mid of 2011.
The hotel will feature innovative dining experiences, such as a Thai-Italian Restaurant, an all-day dining venue and wine bar. Shops and a wide range of wellness options, including a spa, pool and fitness centre will be available.
The Movenpick Resort & Spa Mae Nam Beach Koh Samui coming up on the beautiful northern shore of the island will feature 81 exclusive villas with private pools offering stunning views across the Gulf of Thailand and to Koh Pha-Ngan. The resort will appeal to high-end leisure travellers.
Contemporary dining outlets, an extensive organic garden with a Thai restaurant and a signature spa will entice guests from around the world. The resort is slated to be operational by the end of 2011.
The Movenpick Hotel & Residences Bangkok located in Phayathai near the Victory Monument area, will feature 266 modern, spaciously appointed rooms and suites, in addition to 100 residences. A convenient feature includes an unparalleled collection of loft-style guest rooms. Due to open by 2014, it will offer a privileged location for business and leisure travellers alike with easy access to the nearby sky train and the Airport Express link. The hotel will be located close to the major downtown shopping areas.
Existing projects in the country include the upcoming Movenpick White Sand Beach Resort, located in Jomtien, close to Pattaya, an hour and a half drive from Bangkok.
Scheduled to open by 2013, the resort will offer a convenient get-away to enjoy the outdoors with a magnificent lagoon pool, entertainment for the family and a variety of tempting dining choices. The hotel will attract domestic, intra-regional and international leisure travellers. Extensive banqueting facilities and meeting rooms will be available to host incentive groups and world-class conferences.
Furthermore, the Movenpick Residence Karon Beach Phuket has recently introduced a new resort style residential development. The project comprises of five low-rise buildings, each housing six contemporary 130-square metre two bedroom apartments. The butler-serviced apartments offer a rich lifestyle and hassle-free beach home ownership with attractive investment potential and management rent-out programmes.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
